WHAT’S IN STORE
Ala Moana stores will offer New Year’s grab bags
Fukubukuro returns to Ala Moana Center on Jan. 1, with more than 50 stores offering the "Happy Grab Bags" filled with merchandise worth double the price.
The bags originated as a new-year shopping tradition in Japan, with customers lured by the idea of another post-Christmas mystery gift. Each store will offer its own merchandise, with prices varying at each store.
Shoppers often line up early for the limited-offer deals, available from 9:30 a.m. Wednesday until the bags are gone.
Participating retailers are Animation Magic, AT&T, ‘Auana Quilts, Balenciaga, Bally, bareMinerals, Bath & Body Works, Big Island Candies, Boardwalk Treats, Cariloha, Demi Couleur, Diane Von Furstenberg, Diesel, Dooney & Bourke, Emporio Armani, Folli Follie, Forever 21, Godiva, Gucci, Hawaiian Quilt Collection, Hilo Hattie, Ho‘ala Salon & Spa, Hula Lehua, Ilori, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Kipling, LeSportsac, Local Motion, L’Occitane, Loco Boutique, Lupicia, Martin & MacArthur, Maui Divers Jewelry, Michael Kors, Microsoft, Minamoto Kitchoan, Neiman Marcus, Rip Curl, Salvatore Ferragamo, San Lorenzo, Sanrio, Spiral Girl, Sunglass Hut, Swatch, T&C Surf Designs, Teavana, The Pacific Place Tea Garden, Trade Secret, True Religion Brand Jeans, Valerie Joseph, Vera Bradley, Victoria’s Secret and W Salon & Spa.
Shoe boutique Flag-J celebrates first anniversary
Japanese-based women’s shoe boutique Flag-J will celebrate its first anniversary in Hawaii during Elements at The Modern Honolulu, 7 p.m. Friday, with celeb appearances by DJ Taboo from The Black Eyed Peas, Hype 5-0, and Tiara and Tamara Rapp of 8 Flavahz.
The 21-and-older event also marks the launch of Jump, a new shoe line by DJ Taboo.
Early arrival is encouraged for a 7:45 p.m. fireworks show. Guests who stop by the Elements photo booth will take home a free framed photo.
Tickets are $10 pre-sale and $20 full-access pre-sale, up to one hour before the event, and $20 at the door. Limited VIP bottle service is available for $350 and covers up to six people per bottle.
Tickets are available at the Flag-J store at Ala Moana Center, and sister shoe company Akakura House at 280 Beachwalk. For bottle service reservations, contact valen@hpelive.com.
BEAUTY SPOT
Liven skin with mask of clay and licorice
If your skin needs a quick pick-me-up for new-year celebrations, check out Rodial’s Glamoxy Snake Serum Mask.
It’s a thick red clay and black licorice mask that goes on like a gel and quickly goes to work at effectively tightening pores, exfoliating and removing blackheads. Let it dry for about five minutes, depending on how thick you layer on the black mask, and you’ll be surprised by the gunk that comes off with it.
Note that it’s a strong mask, so roll it off gently or your skin will tingle when you peel it off.
It’s $83 at Nordstrom.
For additional glow, try L’Occitane’s new Pivoine Flora Shimmering Oil. This beauty oil adds a subtle golden highlight to face, body and hair to greet the new year in style. It’s $36 at L’Occitane stores.
